TV9, the premier telugu news channel, is evincing interest from media companies nationally and globally. In the crowded telugu news channel space, TV9 has always maintained supremacy and interestingly it is the only journalist run news channel of the 15 news channels. TV9 group, spearheaded by veteran journalist Ravi Prakash, runs 7 news channels including TV9 Kannada, TV9 Marathi and the popular TV9 Gujarati channels.
As reported by Business Standard, Zee group was one of the bidders for the stake in ABCL (Associated Broadcasting Private Limited). Venture Capitalist Srini Raju owns 60% in ABCL, Saif partners owns 20% and Ravi Prakash own the remaining 20% “Nothing has been finalized yet. Talks as going on with multiple companies. It is true that Peepul Capital is looking to divest their stake” confirmed TV9 CEO Ravi Prakash to Telugu360.
As per Telugu360 sources who are closely tracking this deal, a number of national and international media companies are in fray to acquire a stake in TV9.
- Zee Group
- Carlyle Group
- Providence
- ABP
- Reliance’s Network 18 group
- Raghav Bahl
The last two names in the above list are interesting. Network 18 group, which is a Ambani group venture, is keen to acquire stake in TV9. The founder of Network 18, Raghav Bahl, is also interested in making a foray into electronic media again. “Raghav Bahl is planning on making a splash into Electronic Media again after the ugly spat with Ambani’s in Network 18 deal. He is looking to acquire Asianet and TV9” says a source in the knowhow of the deal.
Earlier, there were reports that MyHome Rameshwara Rao is looking to acquire the stake. It is reliably learnt that Myhome is completely out of the deal. How would TV9 change after change in management will be very interesting. Multiple sources have confirmed that Ravi Prakash will stay on at TV9. “Without Ravi Prakash, it is difficult to imagine TV9. He is the eyes and ears of TV9. It is the only news channel in Telugu where the employee turnover is very low and this is due to the confidence all the team has on Ravi” says a veteran journalist who has worked in TV9 for a long time.
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